Day break in Gaza: MEMO in Conversation with Matthew Teller & Mahmoud Muna

Middle East Monitor Conversations

We have all watched the genocide unfold in Gaza and seen imges of the victims, but what are their stories, how have they lived their lives and what is the importance of Gaza in the larger struggle or a free Palestine? Join our MEMO in Conversation as we talk to the men behind 'Day break in Gaza' a book which provides insight through the stories of Palestinians Gaza.

Tune in to MEMO’s latest podcast featuring an exclusive interview with Matthew Teller and Mahmoud Muna, editors of the powerful new book 'Day Break in Gaza: Stories of Palestinian Lives and Culture'. This timely collection brings together some 50 diverse voices to shed light on the humanitarian crisis, historical context and themes of resistance and resilience in Gaza since 7 October 2023.

We discuss the many challenges Teller and Muna faced in compiling such a significant work amidst Israel’s ongoing military aggression, and explore some of the most poignant stories from the book. We talk about the symbolism of Gaza in the Palestinian struggle, the unique perspectives of Christian families in the region, and the remarkable ability of contributors to reason through trauma and pain.The editors share insights on powerful essays from the volume and offer a rare glimpse into the rich cultural identity and daily lives of Gazans. We explore the psychological impact of conflict, economic hardships and the international response to the crisis. Join us as we uncover the stories behind 'Day Break in Gaza' and discuss the editors' hopes for the book's impact on readers worldwide.Matthew Teller is an author, journalist and documentary-maker. He writes for the BBC, CNN, the Times, Financial Times, Independent and Guardian and presents and produces documentaries for Radio 4 and BBC World Service. He is the author of 'Nine Quarters of Jerusalem: A New Biography of the Old City'.His co-editor, Mahmoud Muna, is a writer, publisher and bookseller from Jerusalem, Palestine. He runs Jerusalem’s celebrated Educational Bookshop and the bookshop at the American Colony Hotel, both centres of the city’s literary scene. Muna has degrees in Media and Communication from the University of Sussex and King’s College London. He is active in many cultural initiatives across Palestine and writes regularly on culture and politics, with bylines in the London Review of Books and Jerusalem Quarterly, among others.